HERR WE GO!
Gloomy German fans are on our side now
ENGLAND got some unlikely new fans for last night’s game – the Germans.
Many were so upset at their side’s earliest World Cup exit in 80 years they switched support to the Three Lions.
Insurance worker Pascal Hein defected after the world champions slumped to a 2-0 defeat by minnows South Korea to finish bottom of Group F.
The 32-year-old watched his team’s defeat in a bar in the Russian city of Kaliningrad surrounded by 100 jubilant England fans. But Pascal was so impressed by the goodnatured ribbing he received he decided to cheer England on instead.
He even bought himself an England T-shirt and flag of St George.
Pascal and girlfriend Nina Ochs, 30, yesterday enjoyed pre-match drinks with fellow England supporters near the team’s hotel in Kaliningrad. He said: “I haven’t told everyone that I am German. I am a bit ashamed after what has happened here. It was a total disaster.
“With respect to South Korea if you can’t beat them – or even score against them – you are not going to win the World Cup.
“I watched the game surrounded by English fans.
“When they found out I was German they began having a joke with me.
“At the end they were all passing me tissues and asking if I wanted a little cry.
“They were really great fun and so I have now decided I should follow England instead.
“I think they have a very exciting young team and I like the way they play.
“Some of my friends at home are also following England because they just like their style.”
Several other German fans said they were backing England on internet football forums.
One wrote: “I am English at the World Cup now.”
Council worker Olaf Pohl, 51, from Cologne, has also switched his loyalties to Gareth Southgate’s boys.
He turned up to last night’s match against Belgium wearing a Liverpool shirt with his 72-year-old mum Helga to cheer on the Three Lions.
Olaf – who supports the Reds because Liverpool is twinned with his home city – said: “I love English football and I’m backing them to go all the way to the final now.
“My mum also enjoys watching England.”